(Hedy Weiss’s article appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times, 7/14.)
When it comes to producing “family musicals” for its summer season on Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare Theater has an altogether impeccable track record. And if you think these shows are primarily for the kids, think again.
Without question, director-choreographer Rachel Rockwell’s enchanting production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” has enough enthralling visual magic and larger-than-life characters to keep kids riveted while serving as a magical introduction to live theater. But the wonder of it all, as is invariably the case, is how skillfully the show spins its story with multiple levels of sophistication. And its brevity (about 80 perfect minutes) is an added strong point.
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